Top Car Accident Lawyers in Bethlehem, PA

The majority of car accidents in Bethlehem stem from distracted driving, impairment due to alcohol or drugs, and driver fatigue. Unique local challenges, such as inadequate road signage and malfunctioning traffic lights, exacerbate these risks.

Accidents not of your making can lead to a complex aftermath, involving insurance disputes and legal intricacies. Our Bethlehem car accident lawyers are adept at navigating these issues, ensuring you're supported every step of the way.

If you find yourself in a car accident and it's safe to do so, the first action should be to call 911 immediately. This ensures that emergency services are alerted and can provide necessary assistance. It's also important to check for any injuries you may have sustained. If your vehicle is in a location that could pose further danger and it's safe to exit, move to a safer area.

If the other driver is present, exchange contact and insurance information with them. However, if you're involved in a hit-and-run, try to note down any details of the fleeing vehicle, such as the license plate number, the color, and model of the car, or any other information that could aid investigators in locating the responsible party.

Use your phone to document the accident scene, capturing images or videos of the damages, any relevant evidence, and the surrounding area. Pay attention to the weather conditions as well; noting if it’s stormy, windy, or if there are any environmental factors like a downed tree that might have contributed to the accident. Remember, every detail is valuable.

Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention is crucial. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent and could only be identified by a medical professional after a thorough examination.

Consult with a car accident lawyer in Bethlehem. At Cohen, Feely, Altemose, & Rambo, we offer a consultation to help you understand the next steps in your situation, ensuring you navigate the aftermath of the accident with the right legal support.

Having sufficient evidence can help a car accident lawsuit proceed efficiently, smoothly, and fairly. You can search for evidence yourself or employ the assistance of one of our car accident lawyers in Bethlehem.

Some key pieces of evidence may include:

Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident details and fault determination.

Medical Records: Proof of injuries and treatment, which can be key for calculating damages.

Photos/Videos: Images or footage of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.

Witness Statements: Testimonies from bystanders to provide an unbiased account of the Bethlehem accident.

Insurance Documents: Information on coverage and claims made may influence settlement negotiations.

Consulting with a car accident attorney is crucial in the aftermath of an accident for several reasons. Firstly, an experienced attorney brings clarity and direction during a time that can be confusing and overwhelming for many. They navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal processes, ensuring that you understand every step and what your rights are.

A car accident can lead to significant financial strain due to medical expenses, property damage, and potentially lost wages. A skilled attorney works on your behalf to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve to cover these costs. Their expertise not only includes negotiating with insurance companies but also representing your interests in court if necessary.

Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo offers comprehensive legal assistance for individuals affected by car accidents. Our expertise extends to managing insurance claims, addressing any questions you might have about the process, and ensuring you understand your rights and the compensation you're entitled to. Our primary goal is to secure a fair settlement for you, one that covers all your expenses and damages resulting from the accident.

In Pennsylvania, individuals involved in a car accident have a two-year window from the date of the incident to initiate a lawsuit. This statute of limitations is designed to give accident victims ample time to recognize and understand the full extent of their injuries, which might not be immediately evident. Often, symptoms such as persistent headaches, migraines, or other indicators of conditions like concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) emerge weeks or even months post-accident.

Given these complexities, consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Bethlehem can provide invaluable assistance in navigating your case. They can offer expert advice on the appropriate timing for filing a lawsuit, ensuring you don't forfeit your right to compensation due to the statute of limitations.

Additionally, they can help identify and document all relevant symptoms and injuries to build a strong case on your behalf. Their guidance is essential in securing the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery without the added stress of navigating legal processes alone.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations on a car accident is generally two years. Two years is a long time, but you shouldn’t wait if you have signs of bigger issues. Especially if your accident has impacted your day-to-day life or prevented your return to work. Though you should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, many people go about their day-to-day without knowing the true extent of the damage done. Under certain circumstances, there may be an exception to the statute of limitations. Contact our office for guidance on your specific case.

Not all car accident symptoms are immediate. Many symptoms of injury appear days, weeks, and months after an accident. Some delayed symptoms can include headaches, migraines, concussions, numbness, tingling, abdominal pain, slipped or herniated disks, and neck pain. Keep an eye out for these and other unusual symptoms following a car accident, and make note of the pain intensity, how often they happen, and other information that your attorney might need.

Car accidents can be very serious, especially if they occur at high speeds. The effects of an accident can linger for years and even decades, and they can greatly affect the victim’s quality of life.

Long-term complications of a car accident can include the following:

Chronic Pain: Injuries such as whiplash, back injuries, and joint damage may lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psychological trauma from the accident can lead to anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, and a fear of driving.

Cognitive Impairments: Traumatic brain injuries can cause lasting cognitive problems, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.

Disability and Loss of Mobility: Serious injuries like spinal cord damage, fractures, or limb loss can result in permanent disability.

Scarring and Disfigurement: Burns, deep lacerations, or surgeries may leave permanent scarring, which can affect both the victim’s physical appearance and emotional well-being.

Degenerative Conditions: Injuries to the spine, joints, or bones may develop into chronic conditions like arthritis or degenerative disc disease over time, leading to reduced function and pain.

Financial Hardship: Long-term medical costs, loss of income, and the need for ongoing care or rehabilitation can create significant financial strain.

Whiplash can occur in low-impact accidents, at as little as five miles per hour. This is because the back-and-forth motion from a rear-end collision jostles the neck forcefully. While the impact of whiplash may be immediate, symptoms can sometimes take up to 12 hours to appear. Watch for headaches, neck pain and stiffness, numbing, dizziness, tenderness, and fatigue. Getting checked out by a physician as soon as possible is crucial to evaluate the extent of your injuries.

Yes, in Pennsylvania, individuals who have suffered whiplash as a result of a car accident—particularly when not at fault—have the right to pursue legal action. Whiplash injuries, often resulting from rear-end collisions, can have long-lasting effects on your health, leading to pain, discomfort, and significant medical expenses. It's critical to meticulously document all aspects of the accident and any medical evaluations or treatments received as a result of your injuries. This documentation will be vital in building a strong case for compensation.

Engaging with a proficient car accident lawyer in Bethlehem, such as the team at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, can greatly enhance your chances of securing a fair settlement. Our attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of car accident claims, including those involving whiplash injuries.

We can provide comprehensive support, from handling insurance claims to offering robust legal representation tailored to your specific circumstances. If you've suffered a whiplash injury from a car accident, our expertise can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation and support necessary for your recovery.

In Pennsylvania, determining who is responsible for covering car damage typically hinges on identifying the party at fault for the accident. However, state law mandates a minimum of $5,000 in property damage coverage through insurance policies, which might not fully cover the extent of damages incurred. Should the cost of repairs exceed this amount, having collision coverage on your insurance can provide additional protection. This scenario may require you to initially cover the expenses out of pocket, followed by seeking reimbursement from your insurance provider.

Our experienced legal team specializes in assisting clients through the intricacies of the insurance claims process, advocating for your right to receive full compensation for damages to your vehicle. If you find yourself facing disputes over car damage claims in Pennsylvania, reaching out to Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo can help ensure that your interests are protected and that you receive the comprehensive coverage you're entitled to under the law.

Choosing Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo for your car accident case offers numerous benefits, underpinned by our extensive experience and proven track record in representing victims and their families in the Bethlehem area. With a combined experience of over 190 years, our skilled team has recovered over half a billion dollars in settlements for our neighbors in the Lehigh Valley and all of Pennsylvania.

From the beginning of the process, we have a commitment to securing justice for our clients. We give our all in every case, safeguarding your interests and protecting your rights. Our car accident lawyers in Bethlehem treat each client like a valued family member, and we do our best to secure fair compensation for our car accident clients.

You can reach out to us by calling (610) 625-2100 or submitting our online form. We're prepared to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation for you right away. During this initial meeting, we'll take the time to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and discuss the most effective course of action.

At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, we understand the importance of having a strong legal team by your side, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

The compensation you're eligible for after a car accident in Pennsylvania is determined by various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the extent of the damages you've incurred. It's important to understand that each case is unique, and the settlement amount can significantly vary from one situation to another. This can include lost wages from being out of work, medical bills, damages to your vehicle, among other costs.

At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, our aim is to ensure you receive the full compensation you're entitled to, addressing all aspects of your loss and suffering. Our Bethlehem car accident attorneys work diligently to evaluate the impact of the accident on your life, advocating for a settlement that truly reflects the damages you've endured.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence law, meaning that a victim’s ability to recover compensation depends on their level of fault in the accident. Under this law, an injured party can still receive compensation as long as they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, the total amount of compensation can be reduced by the percentage of the victim's own fault.

For example, if a car accident victim is found to be 20% at fault and is awarded $100,000 in damages, they would receive 80% of the award, or $80,000, because their compensation is reduced by their degree of fault. If a victim is found to be 50% or more at fault, they likely will not be able to receive compensation.

Typically, some lawyers offer free initial consultations or discovery calls to assess your case, while others might bill these services on an hourly basis. Additional costs, such as those for depositions and expert witness fees, might also arise during the course of legal proceedings. A common approach among personal injury attorneys, however, is the contingency fee model, which aligns the lawyer's compensation with the outcome of your case.

At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, we operate under a "No Fees Unless We Win" policy, ensuring that you face no financial risk when you entrust us with your case. We take on the responsibility for all upfront costs associated with pursuing your lawsuit. Our commitment means that our compensation is directly tied to the success of your case. We only receive payment if we succeed in securing monetary compensation for you.

This approach allows us to focus on what matters most—achieving justice and the compensation you rightfully deserve—while you can concentrate on your recovery without the burden of upfront legal fees. Our car crash lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring that you have the support and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of your case successfully.